A mother believes her child hates her while the child believes she hates him. Their vicious relationship leads to questions about the validity of motherly connection.
The color is a nice change of pace, but the design work is completely unengaging. Mother and child in a typical embrace without a shred of emotion may work in relation to the film, but most casual observers aren't going to be that interested.
Tilda Swinton looks terrific in the film, which is its biggest selling point. However, the unusual dynamic of mother-child dislike and distrust is an interesting subject that may draw a few curiosity seekers to the theater.
Swinton is earning strong notices for her performance and is one of the contenders for this year's Best Actress nomination. Screenwriting is the film's only other real shot.
I have not seen this film.
-Wesley Lovell (November 6, 2011) Original